Bolivia Declares State of Emergency as Protests Rage
President Rodrigo Paz announced a state of emergency, granting himself powers to tackle the extensive road blocks that have halted traffic and caused shortages of basic goods across the nation.
In a statement posted on social media, the president said the emergency would “free the country’s roads” and restore normalcy, arguing that the blockades were an organised attempt to destabilise Bolivia. He also accused former president Evo Morales of orchestrating the demonstrations, a claim the ex‑leader denied.
The move invokes a law that requires the National Congress to approve or reject the emergency within 72 hours. If rejected, the declaration lapses. Some road blocks remain in place, with police and military present in main squares.
The protests began at the end of April after President Paz proposed a land‑reform plan that critics said would allow large landowners to buy up small properties, effectively undermining farmers and indigenous landowners. Paz has since scrapped that reform, but farmers and other groups continue to protest over cuts to long‑standing fuel subsidies and proposed constitutional changes that they say weaken oversight of natural resources.
Paz has attempted to appease demonstrators with several measures: a cabinet reshuffle, halving his own salary and that of ministers, and the creation of a council to negotiate with sectors that feel isolated. Yet these steps have failed to quell the unrest, and the country’s main transport arteries remain blocked, worsening shortages of fuel and essential supplies.
The state of emergency follows a recent congressional bill that now makes it easier for the president to deploy troops to quell protests. Though the emergency will temporarily give Paz more authority, the underlying issues—economic austerity, land rights and constitutional reforms—remain unresolved.
The president’s announcement comes hours after a deal was struck with the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation, though some indigenous groups have signalled they will continue to protest. Journalists have reported police and military presence on major streets, and the road blocks have heightened shortages of fuel and other basic supplies across the country.
